For Mohamed Hafiz Zulzaini, that feeling has found a new form through artistic creations that bring the ocean indoors: he produces intricate resin artworks that recreate the movement and mood of the sea, each piece capturing a fleeting moment of waves in motion.
What began as a personal escape for this self-taught artist has since grown into a creative pursuit that is steadily gaining attention among collectors.
The 29-year-old, who shares his work on TikTok, told Bernama that the sea had always been a source of comfort for him.
“Before I discovered this art form, I struggled with anxiety and depression,” he shared. “I would spend a lot of time by the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. It felt like therapy.”
A turning point came when he came across resin artwork by an Australian artist on social media. “That’s when I felt inspired to try. I didn’t just want to replicate what I saw; I wanted to create something that came from my own emotions and passion.”
By day, Hafiz works as a colour maker for printing inks. His art continues to grow as a side venture.
Although he had an early interest in art since his schooldays, his creative pursuits took a backseat after entering the workforce. He attempted to return to it by drawing and even crafting anime figurines, but these didn’t quite take off.
Still, he continued experimenting until he found his footing in resin. Using YouTube tutorials as a guide, he started out with items such as keychains, bookmarks and phone cases, before moving on to larger framed pieces that now define his signature style.
Each artwork is built layer by layer, beginning with a base colour before waves are carefully shaped and finished with detailed touches to create a lifelike effect.
To enhance realism, Hafiz incorporates materials such as silica sand and small stones to mimic the texture of a shoreline.
Sometimes, he even adds delicate elements – a stingray gliding beneath the surface, a tiny boat drifting across the tide, or a sea turtle suspended mid-motion – giving each piece its own character.
“The waves are the most challenging part,” he said, noting that achieving the right sense of movement and depth requires patience and precision.
Since venturing into resin art, Hafiz has received more than 200 orders, with his pieces priced between RM200 and RM3,000 depending on size and design.
“The most common response I get is that people feel calm, like they’re healing, as if they’re by the seaside,” he concluded. “That’s what makes this meaningful for me.”